Stimuli-responsive AIEgens with an ultra acidochromic scope for self-reporting soft actuators

This study develops a series of NBI-based acidochromic AIEgens engineered for ultra-wide acidochromic scope in self-reporting soft actuators, establishing the relationship between the photophysical properties and structural configurations of the AIEgens, further investigating their acidochromic behavior and fabricating acidity monitoring chips. The acidochromic behaviors were thoroughly investigated, and high-precision acidity monitoring chips were fabricated. We confirmed the protonation order of nitrogen atoms within the molecules and elucidated the acidochromic mechanisms through DFT and 1H NMR analyses. Utilizing these findings, we designed acid-driven hydrogel-based biomimetic actuators that can self-report and control the release of heavy loads under acidic conditions. These actuators hold significant potential for applications in targeted drug delivery within acidic biological environments, controlled release systems, and specialized transportation of heavy loads under acidic conditions. [Display omitted] •Developed NBI-based AIEgens with an Ultra Acidchromic Scope.•Confirmed acidchromic mechanism using DFT and NMR.•Fabricated high-precision acidity monitoring chips for acidity and biogenic amine detection.•Engineered acid-driven self-reporting biomimetic soft actuators.